How can I update kitchen cabinets without replacing them? Can't afford

you have options, paint is the least expensive option. Contact papers have interesting patterns. You can stencil the doors, change the hardware.

Paint and new hardware.

Add decorative moldings and paint them. See if this helps.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/adding-trim-cabinet-doors-71044.html

https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/makeovers/easy-kitchen-cabinet-updates-from-kitchen-makeovers-magazine/

https://decorandthedog.net/decorandthedog/2012/06/how-to-add-cabinet-molding.html

Most places like Home depot or Lowes have a lot of trim pieces that might work you could probably glue them on, paint them a contrasting color

paint is hard work done right. But very inexpensive and a great way to add a new look to your kitchen and cabinets.

We had the same dilemma. I had a cabinet man come over and told him what I needed. He took the doors off, took them to his shop, put two inch boards around the fronts, and painted them the color I had chosen. He brought them back a couple of weeks later and put them back on the hinges. My husband and I replaced the hardware. We both love the outcome. All our friends and family love it. Depending on where you live, the price of having the doors revamped is very economical. It was only a fraction of the cost of replacing all the cabinets.

So much depends on your style. You can add a flat frame around the edges and make them into shaker style, or you can cover them in bead board for a more country/cottage look, or you can just paint them for a more contemporary look. One thing that I noticed (could just be the pic on my screen) is that the doors seem kind of narrow. If that is the case they could get very busy with frames. Frames can also be a distraction if the doors around the room are different sizes. When I see those teal/aqua tiles in the backsplash I think you might be a contemporary gal. If that is the case, I would suggest that you update the doors with paint and keep them in a modern style. Or you can leave them as they are, they don't look dated, they work.

clean the cabinets to remove all grease, and dirt. let dry, remove the pulls then cut the contact paper. apply.

my daughter painted blue flowers and swirly things on her old cupboards and they looked really nice she also changed the pulls on hers or maybe handles i do not remember which she had,you could also ad a panel on them to change their looks.

Thank you.